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When do u think we will c these new jackets? July? I currently wear the newer style Milwaukee and when I use the 12v battery there isn't much heat there but as soon as I plug it in through the cigarette lighter it is great. As soon as the ridgid model is forsale I'm getting one.

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The battery has its own pocket on the left. I don't notice it when zipped in the pocket as it is toward the back. It is impossible to change the battery without taking off the jacket, at least I can't do it. But the cord is also long enough that you can hook the battery on your belt/tool pouch. The battery adapter has a USB port and belt clip. There is also a place to run a USB cable from the battery to the chest pocket. I thought the heat selection buttons being inside the jacket on the left breast would be inconvenient but it's been fine and does protect them from damage. The output of the battery adapter is 12v to the jacket cord which unplugs so you can use the adapter as a portable USB charging station. Sorry, I'm in Texas so I can not scan the manual at the moment.

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Played around with one of the jackets in my office. I wore it around some outside as well but this is the warmest stretch of weather we have had in a while so no idea how well it does in sub zero weather. The heated zones are up around the chest and upper back to try to keep your core warm. The pockets get nice and toasty which would be a real help when not wearing gloves in the winter. Lower back is really the only void in the coverage but the upper back is probably the warmest part of the jacket so not sure how much you would notice the lesser coverage on the lumbar.

The battery pack is plugged in in the lower left rear of the jacket and the adapter comes with a clip that you clip to your belt if you are concerned about the weight of the battery. For smaller packs you can wear them inside the zip up pouch. Wearing the 4 Amp Hr battery is noticeable. The smaller X4 packs were fine walking around outside. Location of the battery pack would probably get in the way when sitting bu the movable power source would allow you to remedy that.

Separate controls for the hands and the "Core" warmers. 3 levels of heat for each indicated by the color of the LED controls.
Controls are easily accessible while wearing. Battery compartment is hard to zip up while wearing but you can switch batteries fairly easily.

I am looking forward to a cold snap so I can give it a shot in real winter weather.

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I just got an email showing the heated jacket at HD's that I believe are in my area. Problem is that I guess smaller bodied people don't need them as much, only L, XL, and XXL. Search Results for*ridgid heated jacket*at The Home Depot The 'L' arm lengths are longer than my leg length. Is this the case country wide with only the three sizes available?